'If Jose Mourinho can get him fully focused, Christian Atsu could be a thrilling addition to the Premier League'

Chelsea are developing something of a knack of snatching talent from under the nose of their Premier League rivals Tottenham. Following Willian’s recent arrival at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have secured another midfielder that has graced the radar of Andre Villas-Boas, in Porto’s Christian Atsu.

The 21-year-old Ghana international has been loaned out to Vitesse Arnhem following his £3.5m switch to Chelsea on a five-year deal.

Portuguese football expert Tom Kundert’s synopsis of Atsu’s Porto career would suggest the youngster can benefit from his loan spell away from Stamford Bridge and prove an asset to the Blues on his return.

Playing style

The left-footed Ghanaian midfielder is well-regarded in Portugal for a quick turn of pace which is complemented by a wealth of technical ability.

“Atsu is an exciting talent. He is a nippy, skilful winger who is still very raw,” said Kundert.

“His main assets are his speed, close control and dribbling.

“When he's on his game he's a real handful for defenders.”

Stand out performances

Atsu was restricted to the role of super-sub last season, but his impact certainly told in the campaign’s most high-profile contests. The starlet proved a breath of fresh air in Europe’s most glamorous club competition.

“He's a great weapon to bring on against tiring defenders,” insists Kundert.

“After Porto had given PSG the run-around for about an hour in the home leg of the Champions League group game last season, he came on and had something of a field day.

“He did something similar in an away game at Dynamo Zagreb.”

Personality

Despite hinting at the Ghanaian’s undeniable talent, Kundert believes Jose Mourinho will have a task on his hands to dim the temperament of Atsu. The 21-year-old demanded more playing time under the stewardship of Porto coach Vítor Pereira and that was ultimately his downfall, as such defiance was punished with a muted role at the club.

The wantaway winger struggled to implement a professional stance as he tried to force through a move to the Premier League - burning bridges in the process - and that attitude is threatening to derail his progression to stardom as far as Kundert is concerned.

“If Mourinho can get his mindset right - in other words, get him fully focused and working hard on fully harnessing his talent - he could be a thrilling addition to the Premier League.

“But that's a big if.”

Can he make the transition?

Chelsea fans have no need to worry about the winger’s ability to flourish in new surroundings; Atsu shrugged off the daunting task of a senior international debut for his native Ghana, coming off the bench to score from the edge of the box. He also impressed many pundits with a sustained period of success during a loan spell at fellow Portuguese Liga club Rio Ave FC in 2011/12.

“Despite still being a teenager when he went there, he quickly forced his way into the team and became a regular. He scored six goals in 27 games, provided plenty of assists, and was a constant threat to opposition throughout.”

Such was the quality of his performances with Rio Ave FC that the youngster was hauled into the Porto senior squad upon his return.

Tom Kundert is a Portuguese football expert and editor-in-chief of PortuGOAL.net.